(no subject)

[brenk.livejournal.com]

First, huge thanks to byslantedlight and empty_mirrors for all the fun - and empty_mirrors gets another round of applause for doing the beta for 'So here it is'.

So, um, here it is:

A shortish slash story: "So here it is, Merry Christmas"

A little, more thoughtful thing: "No Candle"

Hope you enjoy :)

Comments

[rosie55.livejournal.com]

Two lovely stories but I too particularly liked No Candle. How interesting that you almost didn't post it, I'm so glad you did.
I think you conveyed so well that sense of being slightly out of kilter when you go into a church which has different traditions to your own. I was the opposite - brought up as a Methodist, for many years going into a church which had candles (and bells and smells and, gosh - stations of the cross and confessionals - a whole different world!) made me feel slightly out of place, and I think you capture that very skilfully, especially when it concerns someone who thinks they have put something behind them and then finds the expectations have never quite gone away!
Loved the young choristers - again, you're spot on - watching youngsters having fun and yet putting their hearts into singing moments later is beautiful. Made me remember my years in the church choir and my daughter's!
And our Bodie, with his usual devotion and unexpected sensitivity, there for his Ray when he needs him. And Ray, imagining lighting a candle for his father - so poignant and yet he goes away with his love by his side - happy sigh!
Thank you!

[brenk.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for that. In fact, I'm the same as you in that I was brought up CofE but a very 'low' one, so no candles either - and I just love candles anywhere, churches or elsewhere. We did have a choir, mind - *and* choir robes, and they let girls in (including me).

So it's a pretty personal story in a lot of ways, which is probably why I hesitated to post. Lots of nostalgia for England, carols, and times when I was less cynical!